Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is an intermittent treatment of 100 percent oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure. In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy room, air pressure is as much as three times higher than normal. These conditions allow your lungs to collect three-times as much oxygen as they would under normal circumstances. This oxygen is carried throughout the body in the blood and stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells that promote healing.

Patients receive treatment in a transparent, cylindrical chamber. This therapy is typically used to treat problems such as diabetic ulcers, circulatory disorders, compromised skin grafts, burns, cyanide or carbon monoxide poisoning and bone infections. Patients usually “dive” every day for about two hours, over the course of eight to 10 weeks.

HBO therapy is most effective in patients who abstain from tobacco products for the duration of their therapy. The use of tobacco products can cause blood vessels to shrink and decrease circulation.